HCBOE Board Meeting Minutes - November 9, 2010 - Special Meeting - CopyHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 9, 2010
4:00 P.M.
Present were Chairman Walter Massey, Secretary James Currin and Member Louise Taylor.
Also present were Harnett County Staff Attorney Jennifer Slusser, Democratic Parry Chair,
Teresa Oudeh, Carolyn McDougal, Protestor, and various citizens and members of the media.
Staff members Sherre Toler, Director and Claudette Williams, Deputy Director were also
present.
Business:
Mr. Massey called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Ms. Toler presented the Board with copies of a protest filed by Carolyn McDougal.
Attorney Slusser explained the process to the Board pursuant to General Statutes 163.182.9. She
advised that there are two parts to the consideration of a protest. The first part is to establish if
the protest complies with the procedural requirements of the statute. Secondly, the Board must
determine if there is probable cause to believe that a violation or misconduct has occurred.
After reviewing the protest Mr. Currin moved to dismiss the petition. Ms. Taylor seconded the
motion. Attorney Slusser advised the Board that according to the statute the Board had to state a
basis for the dismissal. Mr. Currin withdrew his motion.
All Board members agreed that the protest was timely and complied with the procedural
requirements of the statute. Mr. Currie stated that when he arrived at East Averasboro precinct
about 1:30 p.m. he didn't see any irregularities. Ms. Taylor said she didn't notice anything out
of the ordinary. Mr. Massey stated that he had been to the East Averasboro precinct before Mr.
Currin and that the ballots had jammed twice in the machine. Ms. Taylor had questions
concerning the content of the protest. Attorney Slusser advised that those questions were not to
be considered unless the Board determined there was a need for a hearing on the protest.
Mr. Currin moved to dismiss the protest. Ms. Taylor seconded the motion. Mr. Currin and Mr.
Massey voted to dismiss the protest. Ms. Taylor voted against the dismissal. The motion carried
2 to 1.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board will be December 7, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.
Special meetings may be necessary to address potential recounts.
Ms. Taylor moved to adjourn. Mr. Currin seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
Ap roved by:
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Walter Mass , hauman
Currin, Secretary
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